MPs don rugby boots and netball bibs for charity

Politicians from both sides of Parliament are joining forces to raise funds for a charity that uses rugby to help communities achieve positive outcomes.

The MPs will play either rugby or netball against teams representing the charity 'Rugby For Life' (RFL), in the Northland town of Russell, on Saturday.

The parliamentary rugby team will be bolstered by former All Blacks and media personalities, who will take on an RFL invitational team from 2.30pm.

Beforehand, a 'Parliamentary Ferns' netball team will play a Russell Sports Club invitational side, at 10am.

RFL deputy chair Riki Kinnaird told Checkpoint the event is all about 'golden oldies' getting together to give back to the community.

"Everyone's friends and have come together for a great cause," he said. "Not only to celebrate grassroots and our heroes but also our kids and our game."

Kinnaird says RFL has a simple vision - to help sports clubs stabilise.

"Volunteer burnout's a bit of a big deal these days, so we provide some resources to clubs that need a little bit of glue."

"Generally on Day One that's a little bit of money to pay the insurance bill and help market to get volunteer coaches et cetera."

"[Long term] we help rollout macro programmes such as training, education and employment, and I think we got jobs for 100 people over the last six months."

Kinnaird says the parliamentary rugby team is co-captained by Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Labour's Peeni Henare.

"Those two together are weapons," he says.

He says Mitchell's travel plans have been disrupted by Wellington's weather, so he's driving 8-9 hours to get to the game.

The parliamentary netball team is captained by the Minister for Customs and Seniors, Casey Costello, of New Zealand First.

He says they'll be going up against a Russell invitational, which may (or may not) include former prime minister Jenny Shipley.

"We're not sure which team she's playing for, but at 75-odd, she's looking sharp."

Kinnaird says it's a day when party politics briefly get put to one side.

"This helps the cohesiveness in their discussion. It's wonderful to watch."